Public utilities commissions should set the bar for sustainable design and renewable energy - and San Francisco's headquarters has done just that. We've been <a href="https://inhabitat.com/san-franciscos-greenest-office-building-tops-off/" target="_blank">following the project during construction</a> and we're happy to see the completed building, which was designed by <a href="http://www.kmdarchitects.com/" target="_blank">KMD Architects</a> and is aiming for LEED Platinum certification. The <a href="http://sfdpw.org/index.aspx?page=1145" target="_blank">San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters</a> is marked by a high-performance building envelope, rooftop photovoltaics, building-integrated wind turbines, grey and black water recycling as well as a healthy interior design for the employees.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

The SFPUC Headquarters are located in downtown San Francisco in a neighborhood dominated by civic buildings and just a block away from City Hall.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

<a href="http://www.kmdarchitects.com/work.php?id=17" target="_blank">KMD Architects</a> was tasked with designing the greenest urban building in the country with a close connection to public transit, and a building that minimized natural resources and incorporated on-site renewable energy generation.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Starting with the high performance curtain wall, the PUC minimizes heat gain while maximizing daylight.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Photovoltaics on the roof and <a href="https://inhabitat.com/adobe-headquarters-installs-20-building-integrated-wind-turbines/" target="_blank">integrated wind turbines</a> in the facade provide 7% of the building's entire energy use.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Overall, the combined energy efficient systems account for a total reduction of 61% compared to standard buildings.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

The 13-story Class A office building helps the PUC achieve overall cost savings on leases as well as energy.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Office spaces inside were carefully designed to allow natural daylighting in as well as provide a healthy and encouraging space for employees.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Of particular note, the SFPUC Headquarters features a grey and black water recycling system, which is impressive for such a large building and will help pave the way for more systems of this type in future construction.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Most offices offer up daylight and views of the surrounding city.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

A naturally daylit staircase in the heart of the building.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

The project team is seeking LEED Platinum certification and was recently named one of the <a href="http://www.aiatopten.org/node/265" target="_blank">Top Ten Green Projects of 2013 by AIA/COTE</a>.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Site plan and location of the SFPUC.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Integrated wind turbines into the building's facade.

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San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters-KMD Architects

Public utilities commissions should set the bar for sustainable design and renewable energy - and San Francisco's headquarters has done just that. We've been following the project during construction and we're happy to see the completed building, which was designed by KMD Architects and is aiming for LEED Platinum certification. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Headquarters is marked by a high-performance building envelope, rooftop photovoltaics, building-integrated wind turbines, grey and black water recycling as well as a healthy interior design for the employees.